“Every person with cancer deserves access to treatment, no matter where they live. Collaborating with companies like Pfizer and Cipla is a critical next step toward leveling the playing field for people with cancer and saving lives in this part of the world,” said ACS chief executive, Gary M Reedy.

“ACS is committed to making sure that the progress we have made in the US is not limited to our borders.”

An estimated 44 per cent of all cancer cases reported in sub-Saharan Africa every year occur in these six countries.

CHAI chief executive, Ira Magaziner, said an analysis of current procurement practices suggests that African governments could move to cost-competitive, quality-approved medicines while reducing current costs by more than half through effective implementation of these programmes.